CNI News
23 June 2025
Whether joining in the Civil Disobedience Movement or not, it is not a crime, so, the law must be applied fairly, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), Colonel Khun Okkar told CNI News.
Whether or not to join in the CDM is a self-determination right of an individual or a government employee. Joining in the CDM is not a crime while not joining in the CDM is not a crime either.; the law must be fair, said Colonel Khun Okkar.
"Some employees are public service workers, such as primary school teachers, nurses and doctors. They are people who treat patients. These people are serving the public. No matter how governments change, people working in public service do not need to join in the CDM. Therefore, joining in the CDM or not joining in the CDM is not a crime. Authorities are wrong to be hostile towards those involved in the CDM. There are public servants who don't join in the CDM because they are afraid of harming the public and children. If you decide that those who don't join in the CDM are guilty, your decision is wrong. The law must be fair, it must be right, and it needs to be abided by. The laws now being enacted are pushing those who are not on our side to the enemy. That's why CDM or Non-CDM staffs should be exempted from taking action against. Since they are all employees, they will only benefit the public, not the leader. Only rulers may change, but nothing will happen to the public service," he said.
While government employees are demonstrating for CDM
On June 13, the Committee of Representatives of the Pyithu Hluttaw (CRPH) enacted the Civil Service Act on Non-violent Civil Disobedience which can prosecute civil servants working under the SAC.
In the section on taking action included in Chapter (4) of the said law, it is stated that only government employees who had joined in the CDM between February 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021 will be designated as CDM staff and those who have joined in the CDM after that period will be considered as CDM only after verification.
The law includes a reward system for CDMs and a punishment system for non-CDMs, and states that soldiers and police are not covered by the CDM law.
While seeing those who were demonstrating for CDM
The All Burma Students' Union (ABSU), Generations' Solidarity Coalition of Nationalities (GSCN), Dawei Democracy Movement Strike Committee (DDMSC), and the University Teachers' Union Representative Committee have all issued statements saying that the CDM Civil Service Law enacted by the CRPH deviates from the revolutionary requirements and federal democratic standards.
Then, the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) announced on June 17, 2025, that it would not disturb or prevent the choices of those who are serving in the education and health sectors, taking into account of the future of students and youths who are important in shaping the future of the country. It would also support those in need.
